OPINION
With Leeds United having got rid of senior flop Felix Weidwald this summer, it should come as no surprise that the Whites are hunting a new goalkeeper to take his place – with Birmingham City’s David Stockdale and Manchester City’s Angus Gunn both named as potential captures.
The Yorkshire Evening Post’s Phil Hay has revealed on his own Twitter account that both shot stoppers are being watched closely by the Elland Road outfit, with the 22-year-old former Norwich City loanee said to be eyed up for a loan move.
Leeds still looking closely at Stockdale, and Gunn
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) June 26, 2018
loan was what I was told.
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) June 26, 2018
After impressing in his 51 appearances for the Canaries, turning out in every one of their 46 Championship games last season, it is clear as to why Leeds would be keen on taking the 6’4″ giant (source: Transfermarkt) this summer – but it would be a big mistake.
Firstly, there is little point in taking him on loan when a permanent move to Elland Road is unlikely at the end of the season, and all they would be doing would be helping further the development of another club’s star while hindering the future of their own young talent in the shape of Bailey Peacock-Farrell.
The Leeds man stepped in between the sticks in the second half of last season and impressed, and fans would be loathed to see him relegated to the bench, or potentially third choice, on Gunn’s arrival.
Secondly, a move for 32-year-old Stockdale would offer much more than a reliable pair of hands between the posts, with his experience and know how of the second tier not only helping on the pitch but off it as well.
He could be the perfect mentor for Peacock-Farrell with his 200-plus Championship outings, helping guide him through the formative years of his career as well as offering fierce competition for the first team role.
Gunn might be an exciting shot stopping talent but Leeds already have one of those on their books, and as such they must bin their hunt for the City stopper this summer.